democracy

The Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) has commended the Independent Electoral Commission for taking action after ballot papers were stolen in Soweto.

Boxes containing about 2 000 ballot papers for Wednesday's local elections were taken from a delivery van in Dobsonville last Thursday.

Zimbabwe’s local government minister, Saviour Kasukuwere's decision to fire mainly MDC-T councils across the country could hit a snag after a human rights group threatened a Constitutional Court application.

In a letter to Kasukuwere, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum gave Kasukuwere a week to rescind his decision to fire two Gweru councillors, Albert Chirau and Moses Marecha, early this month or face court action.

Is the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) ‘an agent of the Broederbond…a gatekeeper for white supremacist ideology?’

This was one of the questions and comments directed towards the liberal think-tank’s chief executive officer, Frans Cronje, after he tweeted: “UCT’s [University of Cape Town] reputation will take a step downwards after events of tonight. Can it recover or is it doomed to become Cape Town’s ‘bush college’?

Namibia’s President Hage Geingob, says that Namibia fought for self-determination from apartheid South Africa and will not allow foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or governments to undermine the country’s developmental agenda.
 
Geingob points out that, “We are conscious that Namibia is the product of international solidarity so we appreciate friendly governments and NGOs who understand and respect our developmental needs but we will not tolerate those who interfere and undermine our pursuit of a united and prosperous Namibia.”
 

The United Nations secretary-general, Ban Ki Moon, has commended the Lesotho Independent Electoral Commission for preparing the elections.

Ki-moon has also hailed the Southern African Development Community, which has led efforts to peacefully resolve political challenges in Lesotho.

A surprising result is that the Royal village of Mastieng has gone to the Democratic Congress, despite Prime Minister, Tom Thabane, vowing to protect the monarchy in a case in which the Attorney General is suing the King.

SECTION27, a non-governmental organisation, says activism is central for a democratic country like South Africa as it encourages accountability and engagement to ordinary people.

SECTION27 executive director, Mark Heywood, believes that activism must be linked with the Constitution because it demonstrates change in society.

Heywood adds that activism is a powerful tool that is used by people to voice their problems and challenges in government.

Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) says that Zimbabwe should ‘improve’ on creating a favourable environment for independent institutions like Think Tanks for it to realise the ‘great’ development potential it has.

The organisation argues that Think Tanks are critical for national development and in progressive nations they advise governments on policy formulation and implementation.

It says Think Tanks provide possible alternatives in cases of policy failure.